Top 15 free things to do around Moray & Speyside
The best things in life are free, so they say.
Well, there’s plenty to do for free in and around Moray & Speyside, so here’s our top 15!
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1. Visit Spey Bay Beach & Dolphin CentreExplore this beautiful beach where you can often find osprey hunting, whales breaching and dolphins leaping playfully. Take a pair of binoculars for this trip (and a warm jacket!). |
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2. Explore the ruins of Duffus CastleVisit this ruined medieval stronghold of the Moray family, one of Scotland’s finest motte and bailey castles. |
Image courtesy of Historic Environment Scotland |
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3. Discover the Findhorn FoundationThere are many ways to visit Findhorn Foundation, staying for just a few hours or much longer. The Foundation is an eco village with lots of interesting things to see and do. The community is open to the public and welcomes your interest in what they are doing – creating a world that works for all – and how they are doing it. |
Image courtesy of Findhorn Foundation |
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4. Stretch Your Legs Along Lossiemouth’s East BeachAccessible via a wooden bridge, Lossiemouth’s East Beach is a sprawling stretch of golden sand meeting the dark blue sea. |
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5. Discover the Hidden Beauty of Millbuies Country ParkThis woodland walk around a moody loch is situated just 10 minutes outside of Elgin, but it feels like a different world. |
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6. Explore Hopeman East BeachThis beautiful beach is surrounded by large, grassy sand dunes, and has colourful beach huts and large rocky areas with excellent rockpools. |
Image courtesy of Big Gorse Bush |
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7. Browse Whisky Shop DufftownBrowse the immense whisky collection at the Whisky Shop in Dufftown. |
Image courtesy of Whisky Shop Dufftown |
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8. Enjoy a Self Guided Tour At Knockando WoolmillWatch the Woolmill being brought back to life and take a self-guided tour to learn about the processes involved in converting fibre to beautiful fabric products. |
Image courtesy of Knockando Woolmill |
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9. Discover Linn Falls near AberlourHidden away to the south of Aberlour, Linn Falls is a stunning waterfall well worth visiting. Get off the beaten path and take the 10 minute walk alongside Aberlour Burn up to the falls – a great spot. |
Image courtesy of ScotchlandDE (YouTube) |
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10. Visit Craigellachie Bridge & The Speyside WayThis historically significant bridge sits in a dramatic environmental setting along the Speyside Way, making it a beautiful place to stop for picnic while you’re getting some fresh air. |
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11. Climb Ben RinnesThe beautiful and distinctive outline of Ben Rinnes (840m, 2775ft) is one of the best loved local landmarks. Its broad ridges offer fine walking on high moorland and granite reminiscent of its nearby relatives, the Cairngorms. |
Image courtesy of Friends of Ben Rinnes |
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12. Walk The Elgin Explorer Walking TrailThis short walk is an exploration of the former Cathedral City of Elgin. The route begins in the heart of the town, visits the High Street, the ruins of the Cathedral, and the banks of the River Lossie before finishing with a visit to the prominent monument to the Duke of Gordon. |
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13. Watch the seals at PortgordonAnother fantastic location to see wildlife from the coast. Enjoy watching the seals swimming in the coastal waters – and trying to evade any orca predators! |
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14. Visit Bow Fiddle rock, CullenParking in the public car park next to Cullen Golf Club, take a walk past the caves and beaches to this natural sea arch, located just off the coast, named after the tip of a fiddlebow which it resembles. |
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15. Walk the Speyside smugglers’ trails at The GlenlivetThe savage Speyside landscape was once a battleground for illicit distillers and excisemen. Exploring the three paths below will give you a feel for The Glenlivet’s difficult early years. |
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Have your own personal favourite? Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram and let us know.